Until trucks can fully drive themselves – in stardate whatever number you think that will be – the near term “self-driving” solution remains automated driver assist systems (ADAS).
Radar, lidar and camera sensors have been implemented on tractors nationwide, enabling technologies that help humans avoid collisions and make driving a tractor safer, easier and less fatiguing.
ZF made a splash in the driver assist segment several years ago with the debut of its electronic steering control system ReAX, and next year plans to branch out into a higher level of ADAS using ReAX as a springboard.
ReAX works in conjunction with the truck’s hydraulic steering, allowing drivers to fine tune steering input, improving safety and making the vehicle easier to drive.
The updated system will use a network of cameras and radar to collect information about the truck’s surroundings to enable lane keeping and safe lane changing maneuvers.
OnTraX Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) uses a forward-facing camera to find lane markings. Once the system determines the truck is within its lane and traveling 40-plus mph, the system activates. If the tractor begins to drift out of its lane without the turn signal activated, the system offers a gentle counter steer – a series of light nudges – to inch the truck back into the appropriate lane.
Activating the turn signal bypasses the warning.
